Her Guardians Lost (Her Guardians Trilogy #2) (9 page)

Chapter 8

When I woke up the next morning, I was angry Stephen never came to my dreams. I didn’t know why, though. Maybe it wasn’t possible for him to do. However, it still didn’t stop the disappointment. The one thing I did dream about was that bloody door and the laughing children again. I could hear them on the other side of it, but could never get the door open. No matter how much I banged and bashed at it, it would remain shut. For some reason, I kept feeling that the answer laid behind that door. The answer to what, I didn’t know, but it just felt important somehow.

The day was spent visiting Lisa-Marie and going shopping. Catherine was there, holding vigil. You could really see the love she had. There was no change with Lisa-Marie, but that meant there was no deterioration, either.

I left the hospital feeling a sudden anxiety. I felt it all the way through the shops as I bought some food for later. I felt it as I walked home. I didn’t know what it was until I bumped into Simeon.

“Cassie, you’re looking beautiful.”

I sighed as I stared into the eyes of a man who looked like the one I loved. He stood as tall as a statue, uniform looking made for him—just as it did with Stephen.

Actually, seeing him like that raised my hopes. Maybe he was working and would be unable to come with me to Simon’s.

“Hi, Simeon. How are you?”

He smiled, then saw the bags in my hand. “Here, let me carry that for you. May I walk you home?”

I let Simeon take the bags from me as I started for home. “Shouldn’t you be off doing your duty or whatever?”

The cheeky grin he now wore wasn’t lost on me. He wasn’t Stephen. I kept reminding myself of that.

“I could never leave you in the lurch when you need me.”

“What are you, my knight in shining armour?”

I saw the twinkle in his eyes as he laughed. “If you would like me to be.”

Looking away, I couldn’t help but feel the butterflies. No matter how much I kept reminding myself of who he was, it still didn’t stop that natural calming affect these angels had. It made me crave it.

“Simon wants us to go to dinner at his house tonight.” Regret filled me the moment the words left my lips. He didn’t invite
us
. He invited Stephen and me.

I saw the hesitation. It made me regret it even more. “Would you like me to come?”

Now he was putting the ball back in my court. How could I possibly want him to come when he looked like Stephen, sounded like Stephen, but was in no way like Stephen? In the end, my sense of putting everyone before myself won out. I didn’t want to hurt his feelings.

“I would like you to only if you want to. I don’t know that much about you. It could be a chance to get to know each other more. You are Michael and Stephen’s brother, after all.”

Just as we walked up the steps to my door, Simeon smiled at me. “I would love to.”

I was about to tell him I was waiting on a call from Simon when my phone rang. Looking at the screen, I thought the timing couldn’t have been more perfect.

“Can you hold on a sec? It’s Simon.” Simeon nodded. “Hey, Simon.”

“Hi, Cassie. Sorry I didn’t ring earlier. Today has been a little hectic. I believe Justin is going with a group of officers today to this site you were telling me about. I’m sure we will find out the results later.”

“That’s great. I’m glad to hear it.”

“Are you still on for later?”

“Yes, of course. What time would you like me to be there?”

“Around seven. Will Stephen be coming?”

I looked up to Simeon and saw his eager smile. “Yes, he will be coming.” Putting my hand over the receiver, I mouthed,
Is seven okay
? Simeon nodded.

“Do you need to be picked up?”

“No, I’m sure I can find my way down there. Maybe Stephen will ride with me.” I looked towards Simeon again, and he nodded.

Then he held out his hand. “Let me speak with him,” he whispered.

“Oh, hold up a sec. I actually have Stephen here with me. He would like to speak with you.”

“Okay, no problem.”

“I shall see you tonight then. I look forward to it.”

“Me, too, Cassie.”

I handed the phone to Simeon. He asked for his address and I could see he was mentally making a note. “Not to worry. I’m fairly knowledgeable with the area… I’ll pick Cassie up and we’ll make our way down there… I look forward to it, sir. Thank you.”

Simeon hung up and, with an impish grin, handed the phone back to me. “What are you looking so pleased about?” I couldn’t help the light-heartedness in my voice. It was seeing Stephen’s face that brought it out in me.

“I’m going to have dinner with a very beautiful lady this evening. What is there to not smile about?”

*****

“Cassie! Cassie, dear!”

I looked and saw Ms. Summers heading down her stairs. “Ms. Summers, how are you?”

Her walking certainly seemed a bit better today. She was obviously out on her errands.

“Cassie, look at you. How are you holding up? Michael came over to tell me what had happened to you. I wanted to visit, but my arthritis has been acting up.”

“I’m so sorry, Ms. Summers. Is there anything you need?”

“Don’t be so silly,” she scolded. “Michael has been bringing me things. He’s a good boy. He’s certainly made up for the way he seemed to upset you that day.”

Simeon frowned, which made Ms. Summers look his way. “Sorry, Ms. Summers. This is Sime…Stephen.”

Ms. Summers regarded Simeon with a smile as she held out her hand. Simeon gracefully took it, laying a gentle kiss on her skin. With his wink and smile, she was immediately taken.

“Oh my!” she said, blushing. “You certainly fill your life with the most handsome men, Cassie.”

Shaking my head, I couldn’t help the huge grin on my face. “Yes, you could say that.” Looking towards Simeon, I saw my comment obviously pleased him.

“Are you healing well?”

I turned my attention back to Ms. Summers. “Yes, thank you. It is a bit sore every now and then, but much better than it was a few days ago.”

Squeezing my arms, she sighed. “Good. I’m glad you’re okay. I need to go run some errands. It’s a good day so I thought I’d venture out. Is there anything I can get you whilst I’m out?”

I laughed a little at this. It was usually the other way around. Somehow her asking me seemed funny. “I have all I need here, but thank you.”

Seeing the humour in my eyes, Ms. Summers chuckled. “Okay, dear. I shall be seeing you. Take care of yourself, Cassie. And make sure this one does, as well,” she said, pointing to Simeon as she walked away.

“Oh, I will,” Simeon laughed, calling out to her. “Don’t you worry about that.”

Eyeing Simeon suspiciously, I smiled. “Oh, you will, will you?” Quickly remembering where I was and who I was with, I cleared my throat. “It was nice seeing you again, Simeon. I can take the bags from here.”

Simeon breathed in deep. The sight almost had me weak at the knees. He looked so much like him, it hurt.

Making sure I had the door open first, Simeon handed me the bags. “I’ll pick you up at six-thirty.”

Nodding, I smiled timidly as I shut the door. I could see the glint in his eyes. It was almost as if he was enjoying my turmoil, my confusion over him and Stephen. I knew I was being silly. He was an angel and would never relish in someone’s suffering. He was supposed to be the
good
twin. The one who kept his name because he did as he was told. It still didn’t erase the doubt in my mind.

After putting all my groceries away, I was about to sit down when I heard the doorbell. I walked over to the window to take a peak outside. Michael.

Opening the door, I could already see his intent because he was holding two helmets in his hands.

“I wasn’t sure if you would be up for this, what with your shoulder and everything, but I thought it might be nice to take you for lunch if you wanted.”

Leaning my shoulder up against the door frame, I regarded Michael with a sense of awe. He was like my rock, always there for me, always thinking about my needs first.

“I would love to, Michael. Hold up a second while I get my coat.”

I grabbed my things and walked out the door, awkwardly trying to put my coat on. “Here, let me help you,” Michael offered.

“Thank you, Michael. You’re a true friend.” And there it was. The truth. It slid out so easily. I felt the comment wasn’t lost on Michael, though. I felt the way he tensed as he put the coat around my shoulders.

I was about to face him and explain, but Michael interrupted me before I could start, “Here. Let’s get this helmet on you so we can get to lunch. I don’t know about you, but I’m starving. I haven’t eaten anything since I woke up. These nights throw my eating schedule out of whack. This is breakfast for me.”

All I did was nod as I made my way to the bike. I wasn’t sure if he wanted to talk about us right now, or if he felt this wasn’t the right time. All I knew was that it had to be said at some point.

We went to a quaint restaurant in Richmond. It was the same one he took me to when I was still confused and didn’t know what I wanted. Oh, how things have dramatically changed since then. How
I
have changed since then.

“So, how’s the shoulder?” Michael asked as we waited for our drinks to be served.

“It’s better now, thanks. It’s other things that are happening that seem to take over the pain, if that makes sense.”

Frowning, Michael started playing with his napkin as he thought about what I said. “Can you elaborate?”

Clearing my throat, I sat up straighter. “I keep having these dreams.”

Michael leaned over the table a bit more. “Dreams. What dreams? Do you mean like the ones you used to have?”

I shook my head. “No, these are different. I keep dreaming about a door.”

“A door,” he asked, mildly amused.

I chuckled. “Yes, Michael, and stop taking the mickey.”

He threw his hands up in surrender as he laughed. “I’m sorry. Go on.”

“I can hear children’s laughter behind the door.”

“Really?” Now that seemed to catch his attention.

“I wouldn’t normally take any notice, but it seems so vitally important that I open the door. I don’t know why. It almost feels like I would get the answer to something if I can just get that door open. It sounds silly. The answer to what? It’s frustrating the hell out of me. Not only that, but I’m hearing voices.”

“Voices!” Michael shouted, causing other diners to turn in our direction. Smiling slightly, he lowered his voice. “Sorry. I didn’t mean for that to be so loud.”

“Quite frankly, it’s pissing me off, Michael. It’s my voice, but it’s not my voice. What the hell is going on? Am I going loopy?”

Michael chuckled. “Loopy, no. I just think you’re trying to heal after a very traumatic experience. It’s only natural.”

I could see the sincerity in his eyes, but I knew he was lying. I knew he knew why I was having these dreams. I just didn’t know what theory drew me to that conclusion.

“Who am I, Michael? Please tell me.” His panicked expression lead me to believe I was right.

“You know I can’t, Cassie. I would get into a whole heap of trouble if I made you remember.”

I sighed. “I know. I know. I’m sorry I asked. I just feel… I don’t know… Like I’m on the tip of something special, something colossal. Does that make sense?”

Michael smiled and leaned back in his chair as our drinks came. “It makes perfect sense.”

“Was Simeon the only one who saw you at the hospital?” I could see a hint of fear in his eyes. I didn’t know why, but I was sure I was getting to the bottom of it.

“What do you mean?” I could see the exaggerated gulp as he sipped his drink.

“Simeon left and came to find you. What about the others?”

Michael fidgeted in his chair as he pondered my question. Why was he having so much difficulty answering?

“Erm, well… There was one other. Luana.”

Seeing Michael fidget some more made me aware that he was hiding something from me. I’m pretty sure it had to do with Luana. Also, the name did ring a bell. I was sure he briefly mentioned her when I was in the hospital.

“Is she okay?”

“Yes, she fine. I assume she’s back home by now.” I was about to respond when he said, “That phone call you made, Cassie. The one before everything happened?”

Now it was my turn to feel uneasy. Very cleverly, he’d diverted the attention back on me.

“I was going to speak with you about that. I just knew we needed to talk. That’s why I asked you to come by the next day instead of straight after work.” I knew he was planning on seeing me. Stephen confirmed as much. When I was running home that night to declare my love to Stephen, I wanted it to be done without interruption.

“I think I got too impatient. I just felt like there was something wrong. I’m glad I went with my gut.”